The Good, the Fat and the Hungry - Abdominoplasty: Worth it or not?

Welcome to the Good, the Fat and the Hungry. I'm Karla and I have been -- or am -- all those things. Here, I will share with you my lifelong struggle with my weight and I hope you'll follow along on with my determined attempt to lose nearly 40 pounds. I promise to tell you every win and setback along the way every Tuesday and Friday.

I did it. I am so proud of myself. I had my abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). I had heard all the arguments, pro and con, but in spite of a thousand tongues in all directions, I took the plunge. Some may think it vain; some may think it a waste. I thought it necessary.

Gastric bypass people, hear me and hear me well. Once you knock off 100+ pounds, stuff is gonna sag, and plastics may be necessary. My doc said that had I done it on the younger side that I may not need it but I didn't, so here I was: Down 190+ pounds with enough skin sagging in my middle to make a quilt -- or at least a baby blanket. I felt like I had an inner tube around my waist. I mean, I work out. Why shouldn't I have abs? Oh, that's right. I do. NOW. Here's the nitty gritty.

This surgery was definitely more involved than my bypass. I stayed overnight in the hospital and am now home with three drains I'll wear for at least one week. I had an AMAZING surgeon, Dr. Wendy-Ann Olivier, and her staff to make sure I was prepared for everything. Although not as easy of a recovery as the bypass, which was laporoscopic, it certainly has not been as bad as I'd heard. I had the fortune of connecting with That's Fit girl Jacki who'd had it done recently. Not only did she blog about it, she posted pics of the dreaded drains that had haunted me for weeks. I could finally rest. Talking to her put my fears at ease and really helped me see that I was doing what was right for me. Maybe not anyone else, but definitely worth it for me.

I knew that this would be a journey so here was step two. I can't wait to get back to my workouts and running. My trainer, Liz Neporent, asked me if I was interested in a marathon. Marathon? I weighed nearly 400 pounds three years ago and now people are inquiring about my marathon interest? In the words of a great philosopher, Flava Flav, "Wowwwwwwww."

Thanks to everyone for the comments, support and prayers. You really keep me going. I hope you'll stay tuned as I continue on. It's your comments that are like eyes when I want to cheat. You keep me grounded, honest and focused. I need the accountability.

Till next weigh in. Thank you!

NOTE: Abdominoplasty is recommended for those whose skin and muscle cannot recover on their own as a result of significant weight loss, pregnancy, aging, heredity, or prior surgery. It is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. For more information about this surgery, click here